ST. JOHNSBURY — The efforts of Twinfield Union School and St. Johnsbury School to promote and expand physical activity programs have been recognized by the Vermont Health Department.

St. Johnsbury School received the Most Improved Vermont Department of Health School Wellness Award. The school has an after-school swim and gym program for first- through eighth-graders, and up to 300 participants are expected to have taken part by the end of the year. The school also implemented a “Fitness Gram” that assesses students’ health.

Twinfield Union School in Marshfield won a Gold wellness award, which will fund equipment such as skates and ski boots, and help move forward plans for a hiking and fitness trail bordering the woods nearby the school.

The awards are given by the Health Department in partnership with the Agency of Education, the New England Dairy and Food Council, and the Vermont Health Education Initiative.